Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed. A three-month-old puppy fits easily in the palm of your hand. It was first discovered in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, which is why it received such a strange name. The Chihuahua is the ancestor of many miniature dog breeds. Purebred representatives of the breed are good-natured, playful, friendly and somewhat distrustful of strangers. But as soon as they recognize a person as “one of their own,” they immediately become affectionate and easily go into their arms.
There are two varieties of dogs of this breed - long-haired and smooth-haired. And categories depending on weight:
0.5-1.5 kg – super-mini;
1.5-2.5 kg – mini;
2.5-3.5 kg – standard.
It’s hard to imagine that any breeder would raise a dog only to sell it later. That's why they mostly buy puppies. 2.5 months is the most acceptable age for purchase. The puppy is already eating on its own, does not suckle from its mother, and has received its first necessary vaccinations.
Chihuahua puppy
We will advise you on how to choose a Chihuahua so that this purchase does not turn into a disappointment. So, pay attention to the following:
General state. The puppy is healthy if it is active, well fed, there is no discharge from the eyes, ears or nose, the skin is clean, and the dog eats well. And if you like the puppy, but still have some doubts, ask to measure his temperature. Ideally it should be 39 degrees.
Exterior. The length of a purebred dog's muzzle is equal to 1/3 of the entire head (from the earlobe to the back of the head). The stop is well defined (the transition from the muzzle to the head).
Teeth – there must be two fangs on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw. The number of incisors is ideally six on top and bottom. But dogs of this breed may have fewer of them by the age of 2.5 months.
Correct bite - the lower incisors overlap the upper ones, the canines of the lower jaw are located between the canines and the outer incisors of the upper. The slightest deviation when changing teeth can cause a distorted bite.
The coat of a puppy of a smooth-haired breed is smooth and shiny, while that of a long-haired puppy is soft and thick.
The abdomen is without compactions or bulges. If it is swollen, then it is likely that the puppy is helminthic.
Paws. If you look at the puppy from behind, the left and right limbs should form almost a straight line. The ankles are located at a sufficient distance. The paws themselves are short and straight. When choosing a Chihuahua, it is important to feel the joints to exclude the presence of dislocations and displacements.
The dog's tail is straight, without kinks or kinks.
It is ideal to take a baby from a litter in which there were no more than 4 children. Such puppies received enough mother's milk, which is most important.
It's good if you can see your parents. They must be strong in muscle, have a shiny coat and not suffer from any disease.
An important point when choosing a puppy is the environment where he spent the first weeks and months of his life. Dogs must be kept clean, well-groomed, well-fed, cheerful, and the owners’ attitude towards their pets must be friendly. Dogs feel this, and by their mood you can determine how “happy” or “unhappy” the baby you will bring into your home.
Important Features
Chihuahuas, like any other breed, have their own characteristics. Some points may seem strange to the person choosing a dog. Therefore, let's pay attention to them:
Due to their miniature size, Chihuahuas have difficulty staying warm, so they often show signs of shivering. So if the puppy you are about to buy is trembling, then this is not a sign of illness, but of its thoroughbred.
In most representatives of the breed, even in adulthood, the fontanel does not overgrow. Although in other puppies, including miniature breeds, the molera disappears by the age of 3 months.
The body length of male Chihuahuas is slightly shorter than that of females.
Bitch or male?
If a dog is chosen as a companion, then there is not much difference in who to take into the house. It is worth paying attention only to physiological aspects.
Bitch. She goes into heat twice a year. For representatives of Chihuahuas, it is almost bloodless, so there will be no special problems with hygiene. Moreover, dogs of this breed are extremely clean and neat.
A male Chihuahua is an excellent companion. Despite its tiny size, it brings a lot of pleasant moments to its owners. And thanks to its miniature size, it does not cause unnecessary trouble. Chihuahuas do not shit in the house and do not mark their territory indoors. If you are not going to breed a male dog, then get him a same-sex friend. They will get along great and play together. But as soon as you breed your Chihuahua at least once, be prepared for the fact that you will have unnecessary troubles, and your friend will wait for the bitch and suffer from the fact that she is not there.
Longhaired Chihuahua
What should you be wary of?
Unscrupulous sellers often deceive their customers. Here are some points that should alert you:
Selling a puppy up to 2.5 months. At this age, many of the characteristics of the breed are poorly developed in Chihuahuas. You may be offered a mixed breed or a dog of another, less expensive breed.
Too round head and long muzzle, narrow set of eyes and ears, tail curled like a ram. Do not believe the seller who will claim that this is a breed brought from Mexico. In fact, it is a cross between other breeds.
Excessively large, in some ways even coarse physique. Massive body, thick paws and excess weight with normal height at the withers and body length. Unscrupulous sellers call such dogs the English type of Chihuahua.
In contrast to the previous type, it is too small, a comical head with large eyes, thin legs with pronounced dwarfism.
The blunt muzzle and angular limbs indicate a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pinscher.
There is a breed standard. It does not contain exotic names invented by unscrupulous breeders to attract gullible buyers. It's just a Chihuahua. And that's enough!
We hope our advice will help you avoid troubles when purchasing a puppy, make the choice simple and clear, and the dog will grow up to be the best representative of its breed.
Purebred Chihuahua puppies are not offered for sale in a pet store, much less on the market.
But even after reading the announcement about the sale of puppies through a nursery, you should not rush to purchase, consider all possible options.
It is necessary to determine in advance for what purpose you are purchasing a dog.:
- a pet is needed to participate in exhibitions and achieve championship titles;
- as a long-lived pet, because they can live up to the age of twenty years;
- to increase the population of dogs of this breed.
In the first case, it is worth buying a dog at the age of eight to nine months, after.
However, at this age the pet already has habits that are almost impossible to change. And, as a rule, puppies are not left in nurseries until this age.
The standard age for selling Chihuahua puppies is two months (after the first vaccination).
At this stage, the puppy is weaned from its mother and is independent, energetic and inquisitive.
Even at the age of one month, mothers behave capriciously when feeding, as the babies develop sharp milk teeth.
Due to these circumstances, puppies can be put up for sale at such a young age.
How to choose a Chihuahua to avoid annoying mistakes? When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
External condition of the puppy. He should look neat, his skin and coat should be clean (with shine), his eyes and nose should be clear of discharge, and he should be moderately well-fed.
The back in the stance is straight, the tail is not curved, slightly bent, but not curled into a ring. The puppy's forelimbs are straight.
At the rear, the angles of connection with the hip, knee and hock joints should be visible. At two months of age, this is quite difficult to determine, since this defect is more pronounced after five months.
Particular attention should be paid to the teeth and bite of your Chihuahua puppy. As a standard, at two months the puppy should already have twelve teeth (an equal number on the upper and lower jaws).
However, there are exceptions to the rules. An important parameter is the correct bite. This means that the upper jaw should completely cover the lower jaw.
But this does not ensure one hundred percent preservation of the correct bite in adulthood. But the initial malocclusion usually gets worse during the process of changing to molars.
Dogs with this defect are not allowed for breeding and do not take part in exhibitions. They are purchased only as a pet.
It is impossible to determine in advance whether a dog’s bite is correct; this is the specificity of the Chihuahua breed.
Puppy height and weight. The largest puppy from the litter may eventually become no larger than its brothers. This is how large parents sometimes give birth.
Before purchasing a Chihuahua puppy, you should still familiarize yourself with its pedigree. When studying genealogy, the main interest is in the uniformity of the line.
The uniformity of the line confirms the correct culling of dogs that did not meet the requirements of the breed standard. This indicator is especially important for future exhibition participants.
When picking up a pet, you should definitely ask the breeders what diet is acceptable for the baby and what actions should be taken to ensure a more successful adaptation of the pet to the new family.
A radical change in diet can cause digestive system disorders, which can only be brought back to normal with medication.
Long-haired Chihuahuas have a friendlier character than short-haired ones. The latter are calmer and more balanced.
Photo gallery
These are quite loyal creatures, but when purchasing an adult Chihuahua, the owner will have to earn the dog’s trust.
Hello, dear reader! This page will help you correctly identify a Chihuahua dog without any problems. choose and buy a puppy this particular breed. All little puppies are very cute, but how not to make a mistake with your choice? If you are choosing a puppy for love, then familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the breed. But, if you are really interested in the breed of the puppy, then it’s a good idea to study breed standard and to know, what documents should a puppy have?. It is natural that price for puppies different. But even inexpensive chihuahua puppy
must comply as closely as possible with the standard of its breed.
Chihuahua standard
Chihuahua breed standard FCI-Standard N° 218 / 09.15.2010 / GB BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: The Chihuahua is considered the smallest dog in the world and bears the name of the largest state of the Mexican Republic (Chihuahua). There is an assumption that these dogs lived in the wild, and during the Toltec civilization, they were domesticated. Images small dog , which was called "Techichi", were used as decorations in the urban architecture found in the city of Tula. These sculptures are very reminiscent of the real ones.
chihuahua
TRANSLATION: K.Barbosov (source FCI-Standard N° 218 / 09/15/2010 / GB)
ORIGIN: Mexico.
PUBLICATION DATE OF THE CURRENT OFFICIAL STANDARD: 07/29/2009
APPLICATION: Companion dog
CLASSIFICATION: Group 9 – Companion and small dogs
Section 6 – Chihuahua
No operational tests
General form:
This dog has a compact body. The main breed characteristic is its apple-shaped skull, and the fact that its moderately long tail is carried very high, curved or forming a semicircle shape with the tip directed towards the lumbar region.
Important proportions:
The length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the withers. However, an almost square format is preferred, especially in males. In females, a more extended format is acceptable, due to reproductive function.
Fast, attentive, lively and very brave.
Head
Skull part:
Skull: Well rounded, apple-shaped (breed characteristic).
Stop: Well defined, deep and wide, as the forehead is rounded and sits (“overhangs”) above the muzzle.
Front part:
Nose: any color is allowed. Moderately short, slightly upward.
Eyes: Large, round, very expressive, not protruding, completely dark. Light eyes are acceptable, but not desirable.
Ears: Large, erect, wide open, wide at the base, gradually tapering to slightly rounded tips. When at rest, tilted at an angle of 45°.
Muzzle: Short, straight when viewed in profile, wide at the base, tapering towards the tip of the nose.
Lips: Dry and tight fitting.
Cheeks: poorly developed, very clean.
Jaws/Teeth: Scissor or level bite. Overshot, undershot, as well as any other anomaly in the position of the upper or lower jaw should be strictly punished.
Neck:
With a slightly pronounced scruff. Middle length. Thicker in males than in females. No suspension. In the long-haired variety, the presence of a “mane” is highly desirable.
Frame:
Compact and well balanced.
Topline: horizontal.
Withers: Slightly defined.
Back: Short and strong.
Loin: Very muscular.
Croup: Broad and strong, almost straight or slightly sloping.
Chest: Broad and deep, ribs well sprung. When viewed from the front, it is voluminous, but not extensive. When viewed from the side, it reaches the elbows. Not barrel-shaped.
Underline and belly: Well defined, with a well-tucked belly. A sagging (weak) belly is acceptable, but not desirable.
Tail:
Set on high, straight, of medium length; wide at the base, gradually tapering towards the tip. The carriage of the tail is an important breed characteristic: when in motion, it is carried either high, curved or in the shape of a semicircle with the tip directed towards the lumbar region, which gives balance to the body. The tail should never be carried between the hindquarters or below the line of the back. The hair on the tail depends on the coat variety and must correspond to it. In the long-haired variety, the hair on the tail forms a plume. When at rest, the tail is lowered and forms a small hook.
Limbs:
Forelegs:
General appearance: The forelimbs are straight and parallel when viewed from the front. Vertical when viewed from the side.
Shoulders: Smooth and moderately muscular.
The angles of the humeroscapular joints are well defined.
Elbows: Strong and close to the body, allowing free movement.
Forearms: Straight and of good length.
Pasterns: Slightly sloping, strong and flexible.
Hind limbs:
General appearance: The hind legs are muscular with long bones, vertical and parallel to each other, with good angulation of the hip, knee and hock joints, in harmony with the angulation of the forelegs.
Hocks: hocks short, with well-developed Achilles tendons; when viewed from behind, straight and vertical are well spaced from each other.
Feet: Very small and oval, with well-spaced but not splayed toes (neither hare's nor cat's feet). The claws are well arched and moderately long. The pads are well developed and very elastic. Dewclaws are not desirable.
Movements:
The steps are long, elastic, energetic and active, with good reach of the front legs and drive of the hind legs. When viewed from behind, the hind legs should move almost parallel to each other, so that the tracks of the hind legs coincide with the tracks of the front ones. With increasing speed, there is a tendency for the center of gravity to shift (single step). The movements are stable, free and springy, without visible effort, the head is raised, the back is straight.
Leather:
Smooth and tight fitting throughout the body.
Wool
There are two varieties in the breed:
Shorthair:
The coat is short and lies tightly all over the body. If there is an undercoat, the coat is somewhat longer; sparse hair on the throat and belly is allowed; slightly longer on the neck and tail, short on the head and ears. The coat is shiny and its texture is soft. Lack of wool is not allowed.
Longhair:
The coat should be fine and silky, smooth or slightly wavy. A not too thick undercoat is desirable. The coat is longer and forms feathers - on the ears, neck, on the back of the front and hind limbs, on the paws and tail. Long flowing hair is not acceptable.
Color:
Let's say any color all possible shades and combinations, with the exception of merle color.
Size and weight:
In the breed, only weight is taken into account, not height.
Weight: Ideal weight: from 1.5 to 3 kilograms. Weight from 500 gr. up to 1.5 kg is acceptable.
Dogs weighing less than 500 grams and more than 3 kg must be disqualified.
Flaws
Any deviation from the above points should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect on the health and welfare of the dog.
Lack of teeth.
"Double teeth" (preservation of temporary teeth).
pointed ears.
Short neck.
Long body.
A hunched or sunken back (lordosis or kyphosis).
Beveled croup.
Narrow or flat chest.
Tail: Irregularly set, short or curled.
Short limbs.
Loose elbows.
Narrow set of hind legs.
Serious disadvantages
Narrow skull
Small, deep-set or bulging eyes.
Long muzzle.
Overshot or undershot.
Patellaluxation.
Disqualifying faults
Aggressive or overly fearful.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities shall be disqualified.
Dogs with an open fontanel.
Cropped or short ears.
Deformed jaws.
Extremely long body.
Lack of a tail.
In the long-haired variety: dogs with very long, fine and flowing hair.
In the short-haired variety: baldness (alopecia).
Merle color.
Dogs weighing less than 500 grams. and more than 3 kg.
N.B. : Males must have two apparently normal testes, fully descended into the scrotum.
Comments on the standard
The standard was commented on and questions were answered by Dusan Paunovic (Serbia) - international expert FCI, Chihuahua nursery "Microschihuas" and Francesco Cochetti (Italy) - international expert FCI, chihuahua nursery "Misty Meadow"s".
Although the breed is still considered a “head” breed, the anatomy is also very important, especially the breed’s topline silhouette: high neck, straight back, sickle-shaped tail. The silhouette is very spoiled by a short neck and incorrect placement, shape and length of the tail.
Eyes and ears: Nowadays representatives with very small ears or eyes are often found. Correctly sized eyes and ears are important and give the Chihuahua the breed expression.
Extremes in the Chihuahua's body type should be penalized. Excessive dampness of the muzzle and body is not good. Deer type - even more so.
A short muzzle and too high forehead are also a problem. We must stick to the golden mean and not be fooled by fashion.
The American type of Chihuahua has been discussed many times, or rather, its shortcomings: Spitz-like hair, poor angles of the limbs, especially the front, squared-off format. Spitz hair should always be disqualified.
Spring: Preferably without a spring, although a very small one is acceptable (about 0.2 inches). We cannot forget that the fontanelle has always been characteristic of the breed.
About the patella: a very good dog with small degrees can be allowed for breeding. We must not forget to monitor the health of the knees and not breed dogs with a severe form of luxation.
Teeth and Bite: Missing teeth and misaligned bites are a big problem for the breed. We must remember that an undershot, even if small, is also an incorrect bite, although judges do not always notice it. One of the disadvantages of snacking is that it is rough on the face.
Character: the breed's character is very important, which should be assessed outside the ring by the owners themselves, since the Chihuahua is not only a show dog, but also for many a pet with whom they will live side by side for many years. Dogs that are overly dull and aggressive should be disqualified.
CHARACTERISTICS: An energetic dog with quick movements with lively, decisive actions and a bold expression. They must be bright and interested in everything that happens around them in the ring, confident and not aggressive, intelligent and at the same time sensitive. The American standard says they should be alert, similar to how terriers behave. The Chihuahua should look like a big dog in the ring. They must move around the ring with good tempo (drive). This is very important for this breed, especially during this time. Many Chihuahuas have short movements and lack sufficient anatomy. Its reliability is a consequence of good movement, correct shoulder angles, and this gives elegance to the dog. Chihuahuas are small and elegant dogs. They must be fast and confident, and they must never move around the ring with a high cadence (mincing gait) or like a horse trotting. Their cheeky expression also means they have regular ears, eyes and muzzle length. Important proportions: The length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the withers. However, an almost square body is desirable, especially in males. In bitches, due to the function of reproduction, slight stretching is allowed.
CHARACTER: Sensitive, cheerful, energetic and intelligent dog. Judges should be very gentle with them when they examine the bite and not cover their entire face and eyes. Chihuahuas generally behave well when their teeth and bite are examined; some have a habit of complaining when their teeth are examined. If they try to bite (grab), they should not be laughed off just because they are tiny dogs, they should always be removed from the ring. Those who bite generally enjoy it because their owners have accepted and allowed it.
Head and Skull: The head is a very important part for this breed. Ideally, a Chihuahua's head should be in the shape of an apple. The skull is clearly rounded between the ears and with well-defined stops to the occipital protuberance. The cheeks and muzzle should not be too full. The muzzle is moderately short and slightly pointed. Today you can easily see many snouts that are too pointed and lacking a lower jaw. On the other hand, breeders and judges should be very careful not to look at the wide, ultra-short and exaggerated muzzles in the Tibetan Spaniel breed type.
EARS: Small ears are unfortunately very common in the breed. The ears really need to match the head. 45 degrees causes a lot of confusion. When the Chihuahua is relaxed or on the judge's table the ears are usually positioned at a 45 degree angle, then when alarmed the ears stand much more straight than 45 degrees, but should still have a width between them and it should not be high. As they walk, they often "cradle" them across the skull; if you lay them down and use them while standing, they should not be penalized. The ears should not be too soft, and this is a problem we can find in the breed nowadays. Incorrect position, set or shape of the ears has a negative impact on the Chihuahua's facial expression.
Forelegs: The front of the Chihuahua should not be like that of a terrier; at the elbows they are more mobile than those of a terrier. The pasterns are thinner than the ankles and the difference is much more obvious than in the terrier. Shoulders should be at a good angle. The Chihuahua has good bone weight, not too thin or too heavy.
GAIT/MOVEMENT: Steps are long, springy, energetic and active with good reach and drive. When viewed from behind, the hind legs should move almost parallel to each other, so that the tracks of the hind legs fit almost exactly like the tracks of the front paws. As movement speed increases, the limbs show a tendency to converge towards the midplane (single track). The movement remains free and springy without visible effort, the head is raised. Gait/Movement: Topline should remain level and firm when moving. Come and go you should only see two legs.
Smooth coats have two types of coats and both are equally fine. You can find very soft textured and shiny coats and this type rarely has an undercoat. Another type of coat is slightly longer and has an undercoat and has a tapered collar. Blue dogs often have problems with ear hair when examined.
Francesco Cochetti about the Chihuahua
Popular Chihuahua video
So, you decided to make yourself a small and faithful friend, buy a puppy , which was called "Techichi", were used as decorations in the urban architecture found in the city of Tula. These sculptures are very reminiscent of the real ones, but you don’t know where it’s better to buy it and how to choose? Well, we will be happy to help you with this!
Best visit chihuahua nurseries. When choosing a small puppy, pay attention to its appearance. A smooth-haired Chihuahua should have a shiny, smooth coat, while a long-haired Chihuahua should have a soft, thick coat. Also pay attention to the condition of the puppy’s skin: there should be no rash, swelling, irritation, dryness or dandruff. Of course, there should be no insects on the fur!
Chihuahuas' eyes are usually quite moist, but not too moist! Make sure your eyes are not watery or, conversely, too dry. Also, there should be no discharge from the ears and nose.
Chihuahua's legs are short and straight. Please note that the dog's ankles must be located at a sufficient distance. If you look at the puppy from behind, the legs should be practically two parallel lines. Carefully feel the puppy's paws in the joints, make sure that there are no abnormalities: dislocations, swelling or displacements.
Choose a happy and playful puppy, otherwise he may be weak or sick. He should look healthy and well-fed. But if the puppy is puny, with a swollen belly, there is a high probability of infection with helminths. If possible, see how puppies eat, they must have a good appetite. Take an interest in the number of puppies in the litter; if there are too many of them, then some puppies may be weakened, too skinny, or with weak immunity. The optimal number of puppies in a litter: no more than 3-4.
If you have the opportunity to “meet” the parents of the puppy you like, be sure to do it! They must also be beautiful, healthy, have a shiny coat and not show any signs of disease. Just remember: if you choose a very tiny puppy, then its mother will not look very good, since she has not yet recovered from giving birth. Therefore, do not be alarmed by its tortured appearance or insufficiently shiny coat.
If you still have any doubts about the puppy's health, ask to take his temperature. The body temperature of a healthy puppy is 39 degrees. So you make sure that puppy he is not sick and there are no inflammatory processes in his body.
Of course, you should know that chihuahua puppy- a rather expensive pleasure. Therefore, do not try to find ways to save money, even if you need a puppy “for the soul” and not for exhibitions. It’s easier to just choose a less expensive breed, since the Chihuahua also requires good, high-quality nutrition, and not scraps from your table. Therefore, you must have enough funds to purchase and maintain your little friend. Buy a puppy , which was called "Techichi", were used as decorations in the urban architecture found in the city of Tula. These sculptures are very reminiscent of the real ones on the market or through online advertisements, it’s like buying a gold Rolex in an underground passage. There is no guarantee that it is even a Chihuahua, not to mention the possible diseases of such an animal.
Only chihuahua nursery will give you guarantees, provide a detailed pedigree of the puppies, all the necessary certificates and documents. When you come to the nursery, don’t even ask for “some average one,” as long as it’s cheaper. Every self-respecting nursery carefully selects both a female and a male to produce offspring. Chihuahua nurseries monitor and value their image and reputation, so you won’t buy an “average” dog from a nursery, it simply cannot be here!
01/17/2017 by Eugene
One of the most important qualities that a future pet must have is excellent health. That is why people who were not previously familiar with this decorative breed need to consult with specialists before completing the transaction. If you do not have the opportunity to communicate with an experienced Chihuahua breeder, then use the tips from this article.
Where to buy an animal
If you are asking the question “How to choose a Chihuahua puppy?”, then you are unlikely to buy a pet in dubious stores or on the market. But we still warn you against purchasing an animal in such places. Nowadays it is fashionable to buy puppies using ad sites. The first thing you need to clarify when contacting the seller: is he the owner of the nursery?
It is better to pay more, but buy a Chihuahua from a person who has been selling and breeding puppies for several years. Ask questions about the living conditions of your pets. Often new breeders violate all sanitary standards. Before deciding whether or not to go to the nursery, evaluate the communication over the phone. A professional will answer your questions calmly and will not be rude or overly praise the puppies.
During your visit, pay attention to:
- cleanliness of enclosures;
- feed quality and quantity.
When you first visit the breeder, you need to familiarize yourself with the pedigree of the chosen Chihuahua. Also find out the number of puppies in the litter - there should not be more than 5.
Try to pay attention to the number of births; the bitch must rest between matings, otherwise the offspring will be defective.
Purposes of purchasing a puppy
There are two options here:
- You are looking for a dog that will go on to become an elite producer. In this case, you will have to pay a higher price for the animal. It is necessary to choose it when the pet reaches 3-4 months of age, that is, after changing teeth. Be prepared to attend exhibitions where the puppy will have to prove that it meets the standard.
- If you need a mini companion, you can adopt a pet at the age of 2 months.
In the first case, the pet must fit the standard. If you just need a cute companion and you won’t be breeding, the cost of the animal will be slightly lower. In any case, the puppy must have a brand and documents, since due to a mutation in the breed you can get an animal with a bad character or health problems.
Gender selection
If you choose a companion, you need to consider the following characteristics of the Chihuahua's character, which depend on gender:
- boys are more active and inquisitive;
- The girls are affectionate and careful.
If you are not planning to become a breeder, when choosing a girl, be prepared to deal with heat and pregnancy. Boys who have never participated in mating are calm about female representatives of their breed. After the first mating, they will have to be kept on a short leash; they will begin to run after females in heat. Males will have to be trained from the first day they are in the house, as they often try to mark their territory.
Exterior
Appearance is most important for those who are planning to breed a Chihuahua. First of all, pay attention to the shape of the muzzle and the length of the mouth. The shorter the mouth, the worse the quality of the teeth will be. The bite can be straight or scissor. The shape of the head should resemble an apple; a flat skull is unacceptable. The forehead should be clearly defined. Please note that the fontanel in this breed does not heal; it is important to monitor it throughout the pet’s life, to exclude injuries to the skull and blows to it.
A healthy Chihuahua's ears should be clean, with no visible dirt or purulent discharge. The nose should be moist, but without mucous secretions. A dry earlobe is a sign of a baby's illness. Also pay attention to the eyes - they should be round and slightly moist.
The next step is to inspect the fur of your family’s future pet. The purchase is worth making only if it feels soft and thick to the touch. A long-haired Chihuahua may have slightly wavy hair, but without pronounced curls. Be sure to part the fur in several areas of the body and inspect the skin - there should be no rashes, irritations, flea eggs or dandruff on it.
Feel the skeleton, paying special attention to the paws. The bones should be straight. The standard does not allow for dislocations or displacements. Ask for a scale to measure your puppy's weight. It should be more than 500 grams and not reach 2,700.
Let's observe the behavior
It is important to be able to distinguish a defective pet by its character. To do this, spend some time near the enclosure. Even if the puppy has just woken up, he should be active. As a rule, Chihuahuas communicate well with their mother and their brothers. They move around a lot inside the enclosure and sniff everything around. This is how they show their natural curiosity. Young dogs are usually friendly towards strangers.
If the baby is cowardly or sick, he will hide behind his mother or bed. You may have to spend a sufficient amount of time at the enclosure to make sure that your future pet is clean. As a rule, puppies wear special diapers and do not leave puddles around. If you are faced with the second option, you should look for another Chihuahua to purchase - it will be very difficult for you to wean your baby from such freedom.